Nine arrested as police destroy over 1200 liters of illicit brew

{Police has seized and poured about 1240 liters of Muriture – a locally made illicit brew – that were seized in different operation conducted in Huye and Nyamagabe districts.}

Police also arrested nine after they were found either distilling or selling the illegal substance.

The public destruction exercise held in Ngoma Sector was presided over by the District Police Commander (DPC) of Huye, Supt. Jean Marie Vianney Karegeya along with residents of Ngoma Sector in Huye district, and attended by other local leaders, students, cyclists, motorcyclists and residents, among others.

The DPC, while speaking to the residents shortly after the destruction exercise, pointed out that consumption of such illicit substances has links with other crimes and effects on people’s well being and development.

“When one indulges in consumption of such substances, they do not get time to work thus failing to take care of their families, which can lead to poverty, which also causes insecurity,” said SP Karegeya.

“Every citizen should understand the consequences related to drug abuse and be more determined to fight them… Do not connive or shield those who break the law…always endeavor to work with Police and local authorities to identify those who manufacture and deal in illicit brew. Security should always be everyone’s first priority in all situations in order to protect our lives, our property and safeguard the development of our country,” he added.

He further urged them to maintain the spirit and continue to report those who manufacture illicit brew in their communities.

“Partnership with residents to fight against dangerous substances has been impressive. It has enabled investigations that have led to the arrest of suspects, seizure and destruction of these substances.

Let this partnership continue and send signal to criminals that Rwanda will not tolerate illegal and criminal actions,” said SP Karegeya

Article 594 of the penal code stipulates in its second paragraph that, any person who, unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five year years and a fine of up to Rwf5 million.